January 18, 2017

Our ATM burglars are so dumb they can't skim, have to resort to brute force to hack ATM customers

First, let's note that it's wrong to steal, whether it's hi-tech hacking of ATMs or brute force. The return on investment is poor, and the retirement plan is dismal. That said, let's see what they are up to.

Not too long ago there was a rash of ATM burglaries involving skimming. At least that involved a little cunning, intelligence, and tech savvy. But the act has devolved to pure brute force. Picture that graphic of the stooped over Neanderthal progressing to the erect homo sapiens. But the image for this particular criminal endeavor went the opposite direction.

Midland and Odessa Police Departments are warning residents of a recent motor vehicle burglary trend that has reached the Permian Basin.

Officers have received several reports of motor vehicle burglaries that occur shortly after the victims visit a bank. Detectives believe that the suspect is waiting in his vehicle in the parking lots of various banks and following victims who have just withdrawn money to their next destination. If they park at another business, the suspect burglarizes their vehicle in the parking lot and attempts to steal the money envelope. The suspect has not followed the victim back to his or her residence in any of the reported burglaries so far.

The male suspect reportedly drives a black Kia Sportage, which is a compact SUV. The banks that have been targeted so far have been located along major roadways in both Midland and Odessa. Similar crimes have been reported in the Dallas and Houston areas previous to the trend reaching Midland.

Residents visiting a bank are encouraged to place any money envelopes out of sight and to always keep the envelope and money with them at all times. Unlike the ongoing trend of criminals burglarizing unlocked vehicles, this suspect is brazenly breaking car windows in the middle of the day to reach the envelope. Residents walking back to their vehicles after withdrawing money should always be aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious activity.

If you have any information on the suspect in this case, please contact the Midland Crime Stoppers at 432-694-TIPS(8477) or Odessa Crime Stoppers at 432-333-TIPS(8477).

That's a very conspicuous criminal endeavor. Migrating from town to town, constantly on the move, the public on the lookout -- it's hard to imagine that won't get caught soon. Then they'll graduate to the Texas Department of Corrections where they'll be schooled on new opportunities.

Updated 1/19/17 -- New media release tells us the police have arrested two individuals and are looking for a third.